There are two major tennis events taking place this week – qualifying for the main draw at Wimbledon, and the Eastbourne Open.
The ATP, which manages the men’s tour, introduced an extreme heat rule from the 2026 season which allows players to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three-sets singles matches.
The new rule is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which measures heat stress in direct sunlight. It involves observing temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover.
If the WBGT reaches 30.1C or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three match, either player can request a break of 10 minutes to cool off.
Under the supervision of ATP medical staff, players can hydrate, change clothing, shower and receive coaching.
Play will be suspended if the WBGT exceeds 32.2C.
The WTA, which runs the women’s calendar, has enforced an extreme heat rule for more than 30 years.
The new rules were introduced following an incident at the Shanghai Masters in October, where temperatures were as high as 34C and humidity at 80% in the daytime. While undergoing treatment, Danish player Holger Rune asked an official: “Do you want a player to die on court?”
The Lawn Tennis Association has been reminding fans attending both events to stay hydrated and wear hats and sun cream.
Key safety messages are communicated via big screens and speaker announcements, while refillable water bottle stations are provided and water is being handed out to those waiting in queues.
The rotations of key outdoors staff, including ball crew, have also been increased.
